Carbon terminology - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 07:36, 13 October 2021

2021-10-13T07:36:52Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 07:36, 13 October 2021
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	Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon. Ref [http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/]		Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon. Ref [http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/]

−	Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen. For more information see: Net-zero carbon.	+	Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen. For more information see: Net-zero carbon and Net zero carbon emissions.

	= Carbon neutral =		= Carbon neutral =
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	* Low carbon construction IGT.		* Low carbon construction IGT.
	* Net-zero carbon.		* Net-zero carbon.
		+	* Net zero carbon emissions.
	* Operational carbon.		* Operational carbon.
	* PAS 2060.		* PAS 2060.

Designing Buildings at 08:08, 3 March 2021

2021-03-03T08:08:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:08, 3 March 2021
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	* Zero carbon homes.		* Zero carbon homes.

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Collection]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 08:25, 19 February 2021

2021-02-19T08:25:55Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:25, 19 February 2021
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Capital carbon.
	* Carbon.		* Carbon.
	* Carbon capture and storage.		* Carbon capture and storage.

Designing Buildings at 08:23, 19 February 2021

2021-02-19T08:23:37Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 08:23, 19 February 2021
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	* Carbon factor.		* Carbon factor.
	* Carbon footprint.		* Carbon footprint.
		+	* Carbon hotspot.
	* Carbon negative.		* Carbon negative.
	* Carbon neutral.		* Carbon neutral.

Editor at 18:09, 15 October 2020

2020-10-15T18:09:24Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:09, 15 October 2020
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	* Net-zero carbon.		* Net-zero carbon.
	* Operational carbon.		* Operational carbon.
		+	* PAS 2060.
	* Sustainable materials.		* Sustainable materials.
	* The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future.		* The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future.

Editor at 15:32, 15 October 2020

2020-10-15T15:32:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:32, 15 October 2020
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	To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.		To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.

−	For more information see: Carbon neutral/	+	For more information see: Carbon neutral.

	= Carbon positive and carbon negative =		= Carbon positive and carbon negative =

Designing Buildings at 06:40, 17 September 2020

2020-09-17T06:40:41Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:40, 17 September 2020
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	* Carbon neutral.		* Carbon neutral.
	* Carbon plan.		* Carbon plan.
		+	* Carbon price.
	* Climate Change Act.		* Climate Change Act.
	* CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.		* CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
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	* Zero carbon homes.		* Zero carbon homes.

−	[[Category:~~Definitions~~]] [[Category:~~DCN_Definition~~]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings: moved Getting to the root: Carbon-jargon buster to Carbon terminology

2020-04-29T09:52:08Z

moved Getting to the root: Carbon-jargon buster to Carbon terminology

← Older revision

Revision as of 09:52, 29 April 2020

Designing Buildings at 09:49, 29 April 2020

2020-04-29T09:49:36Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:49, 29 April 2020
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		+	= Introduction =
		+
	Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying. This carbon-jargon busting article explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.		Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying. This carbon-jargon busting article explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.

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	Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon. Ref [http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/]		Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon. Ref [http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/]

−	Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen.	+	Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen. For more information see: Net-zero carbon.

	= Carbon neutral =		= Carbon neutral =
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	To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.		To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.
		+
		+	For more information see: Carbon neutral/

	= Carbon positive and carbon negative =		= Carbon positive and carbon negative =

	Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.		Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.
		+
		+	For more information see: Carbon negative.

	= Sequestered carbon / carbon capture =		= Sequestered carbon / carbon capture =
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	Carbon can be captured or sequestered in buildings and building products made from wood.		Carbon can be captured or sequestered in buildings and building products made from wood.
		+
		+	For more information see: Carbon capture and storage.

	= Embodied carbon =		= Embodied carbon =

	Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as [https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/UK-GBC-EC-Developing-Client-Brief.pdf ‘the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset’]. This means knowing how much CO2 is emitted from extraction, processing and manufacturing, transportation and assembly of every building product used. It extends to the lifecycle of each product so also considers end of life.		Embodied carbon is defined by the UK Green Building Council as [https://www.ukgbc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/UK-GBC-EC-Developing-Client-Brief.pdf ‘the total greenhouse gas emissions generated to produce a built asset’]. This means knowing how much CO2 is emitted from extraction, processing and manufacturing, transportation and assembly of every building product used. It extends to the lifecycle of each product so also considers end of life.
		+
		+	For more information see: Embodied carbon.

	= Operational carbon =		= Operational carbon =

	Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective [https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/carbon-embodied-operational/ CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run], from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.		Operational carbon is often measured alongside embodied carbon. It is the collective [https://www.istructe.org/resources/guidance/carbon-embodied-operational/ CO2 emissions produced in order for a building to run], from the energy and ventilation systems through to IT equipment.
		+
		+	For more information see: Operational carbon.

	= Taking action =		= Taking action =
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	* Zero carbon homes.		* Zero carbon homes.

−	[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Sustainability]]	+	[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:Sustainability]]

Designing Buildings at 09:46, 29 April 2020

2020-04-29T09:46:34Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:46, 29 April 2020
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−	Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying.	+	Net-zero, carbon free, embodied carbon and offsetting carbon: each concept is a step in the right direction to tackle the climate emergency, but the terminology needs demystifying. This carbon-jargon busting article explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.
−		+
−	This carbon-jargon busting ~~feature~~ explores each concept, how it is being implemented and what this means for the built environment.	+

	= Net-zero =		= Net-zero =

−	Since the UK government’s announcement ~~last year to~~ target net-zero by 2050, the phrase 'net-zero' has become the most well-known term when it comes to reducing the impact of climate change.	+	Since the UK government’s announcement that it would target net-zero by 2050, the phrase 'net-zero' has become the most well-known term when it comes to reducing the impact of climate change.

−	~~[http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/~~ Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced] and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon.	+	Net-zero is the balance between the emissions that are produced and the emissions that are removed from the atmosphere. Emissions are removed by offsetting carbon. Ref [http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/ http://www.lse.ac.uk/GranthamInstitute/news/what-is-net-zero/]

	Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen.		Net-zero is the goal, outlined below are the ways to make it happen.

−	= Carbon neutral ~~= Offsetting carbon = Carbon free = Zero carbon~~ =	+	= Carbon neutral =

	The journey to achieving net-zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the [https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-certification/carbon-neutral-certification Carbon Trust], carbon neutrality is achieved when the emissions produced are offset by carbon credits or natural carbon sinks.		The journey to achieving net-zero means knowing how to offset emissions. According to the [https://www.carbontrust.com/what-we-do/assurance-and-certification/carbon-neutral-certification Carbon Trust], carbon neutrality is achieved when the emissions produced are offset by carbon credits or natural carbon sinks.

−	Carbon credits are permits and work as part of a ‘cap and trade’ programme. Companies that pollute are given a limit, in credits, that they can pollute up to. Any unused credits can be sold to another company that is exceeding its limit. The aim is for companies that pollute to reduce their emissions and over time their limits for pollution are reduced.	+	Carbon credits are permits, and work as part of a ‘cap and trade’ programme. Companies that pollute are given a limit, in credits, that they can pollute up to. Any unused credits can be sold to another company that is exceeding its limit. The aim is for companies that pollute to reduce their emissions and over time their limits for pollution are reduced.

	Natural carbon sinks are ecosystems such as the ocean or forests. They absorb and store around [https://www.livescience.com/32354-what-is-a-carbon-sink.html half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity]. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to increased emissions and deforestation.		Natural carbon sinks are ecosystems such as the ocean or forests. They absorb and store around [https://www.livescience.com/32354-what-is-a-carbon-sink.html half of the carbon dioxide (CO2) produced by human activity]. However, these ecosystems are under threat due to increased emissions and deforestation.
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	To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.		To determine if a building or building product is carbon neutral, there is a standard to prove that it genuinely offsets carbon emissions and is not ‘greenwashing’. [https://www.bsigroup.com/en-GB/PAS-2060-Carbon-Neutrality/ PAS 2060] can be used to prove carbon neutrality for buildings, product lines, manufacturing and more.

−	= Carbon positive ~~= Carbon~~ negative =	+	= Carbon positive and carbon negative =

	Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.		Confusingly, carbon positive and carbon negative initiatives both seek the same outcome: to remove more carbon from the world than they add. This is the next step after net-zero.

−	= Sequestered carbon ~~= Carbon~~ capture =	+	= Sequestered carbon / carbon capture =

−	To sequester carbon is to capture CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere and store it. This can be done in a natural or manufactured way. Trees naturally absorb and capture CO2, acting as a natural store. Consequently, forests and ~~woodland~~ are considered to be ~~the most~~ efficient natural carbon sinks.	+	To sequester carbon is to capture CO2 from the Earth’s atmosphere and store it. This can be done in a natural or manufactured way. Trees naturally absorb and capture CO2, acting as a natural store. Consequently, forests and woodlands are considered to be efficient natural carbon sinks.

	Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a [https://www.hse.gov.uk/carboncapture/about-carbon.htm new technology] to remove CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power stations and industrial processes that use or produce coal and gas. The CO2 can be captured in three different ways and in the UK, it is stored offshore.		Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a [https://www.hse.gov.uk/carboncapture/about-carbon.htm new technology] to remove CO2 emissions from fossil fuel power stations and industrial processes that use or produce coal and gas. The CO2 can be captured in three different ways and in the UK, it is stored offshore.
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	The UK built environment currently contributes around 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions. To reach the 2050 net-zero goal, new homes need to be built to offset carbon. Even with the most natural building materials, CO2 will be released before and during the construction process. By estimating embodied and operational carbon, designers can ensure this is offset through the materials, products and systems used.		The UK built environment currently contributes around 40% of the country’s total carbon emissions. To reach the 2050 net-zero goal, new homes need to be built to offset carbon. Even with the most natural building materials, CO2 will be released before and during the construction process. By estimating embodied and operational carbon, designers can ensure this is offset through the materials, products and systems used.

−	= ~~Going beyond zero~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =
−		+
−	The [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/balehaus BaleHaus system] uses prefabricated straw bale panels, ModCell, and structural timber frame elements. This system works to PassivHaus principles and is made from locally available materials that are designed to be dismantled, re-used and recycled at the end of a typical 75+ year life.	+
−		+
−	It also has triple glazing, a biomass boiler and energy efficient electrical fittings and appliances. The careful design and specification of the BaleHaus reduces carbon emissions by almost 50% each year. It goes beyond zero carbon as it banks 22 tonnes of CO2, making it carbon positive (or negative) and a carbon capture.	+
−		+
−	~~= From old to new =~~	+
−		+
−	Older properties can be improved too. To reduce the built environment’s impact on the planet, the aim should be to reduce the number of new buildings, reuse as many buildings, materials and products as possible and recycle responsibly if there is no other option.	+
−		+
−	An example of this was the sensitive retrofit of a home on [https://woodforgood.com/case-studies/walters-way Walter’s Way], designed by architect Walter Segal. The timber framed home had its windows replaced, the roof rebuilt and full insulation was installed including the roof. Solar PV panels were added alongside a new solar water heating system, passive ventilation and mechanical ventilation heat recovery, water saving devices and low energy appliances and lighting.	+
−		+
−	~~Where possible, natural materials such as cellulose and wood fibre insulation were used. The result of the refurb was a reduction of 73% in carbon emissions.~~	+

−	= Zero ~~= Hero =~~	+	* Carbon.
		+	* Carbon capture and storage.
		+	* Carbon emissions.
		+	* Carbon emissions reduction target CERT.
		+	* Carbon factor.
		+	* Carbon footprint.
		+	* Carbon negative.
		+	* Carbon neutral.
		+	* Carbon plan.
		+	* Climate Change Act.
		+	* CRC Energy Efficiency Scheme.
		+	* Embodied carbon.
		+	* Embodied energy.
		+	* Emission rates.
		+	* Low carbon.
		+	* Low carbon construction IGT.
		+	* Net-zero carbon.
		+	* Operational carbon.
		+	* Sustainable materials.
		+	* The Carbon Plan: Delivering our low carbon future.
		+	* What we need for the journey to net-zero carbon emissions.
		+	* Zero carbon homes.

−	The built environment has the tools and the knowledge to refurbish and create homes, offices, schools, hospitals and many other buildings that remove rather than contribute to carbon emissions. It is a cultural and educational shift, but it is possible to make beautiful and practical buildings that have less of an impact on the planet.	+	[[Category:Definitions]] [[Category:Sustainability]]